Store Systems

McHenry, Ill. – Specialty toner retailer/franchisor Cartridge World has created a unified shopping experience across multiple devices, establishing an automated fulfillment workflow, as well as integrating e-commerce into the franchise business model. Working with Web development company Devbridge Group, Cartridge World launched a responsive design-based e-commerce site that offers the same intuitive shopping process across all platforms.

Petland has hired a former Walmart executive as vice president of corporate stores as the pet supply retailer looks to expand its national footprint. 

Although Tony Samples last worked at Walmart in 2006, Petland touted his Walmart experience in a news release. "Tony brings extensive retail experience to Petland at a time when Petland is expanding its retail footprint," said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. Samples will lead Petland's retail store division and oversee the company's merchandising and marketing efforts.

Dallas -- Trademark Property Co., the operating partner for The Shops at Highland Village, has announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the 352,000-sq.-ft. shopping center that includes enhanced common area improvements, upgraded landscaping, new amenities for adults and children, updated facades, and new signage throughout the property.

Pittsburgh – American Eagle Outfitters Inc. soared past Wall Street expectations in the fourth quarter, helped by reduced promotions and discounts and the elimination of asset impairments. The teen retailer on Wednesday posted better-than-expected fourth quarter results and issued an upbeat outlook for the first quarter, projecting earnings of $0.09 to $0.12 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.07 per share.

New York -- Coach announced it will open its first Paris flagship, timed to coincide with the brand’s 75th anniversary. The store, located on the famed Rue Saint-Honoré, is expected to open this fall.

Despite its frumpy name, Dressbarn is turning out to be quite the digital innovator in the apparel category after launching an omnichannel offering called Dressbar.

The Dressbar pop-up shop within Dressbarn stores and on dressbarn.com will feature digital components and dresses that have "a story." Dressbarn says it believes that every dress has a story, and the store will honor its heritage while creating a compelling destination for new dress stories to begin.

Amid an $8.7 billion pending sale to an investment firm, PetSmart reported fourth quarter profit and revenue that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations.

For the period ended Feb. 1, the company posted a profit of $132.1 million, or $1.32 a share, up slightly from $131.5 million, or $1.28 a share a year earlier. Revenue grew 6% to $1.91 billion, topping the $1.87 billion analysts had predicted.

Net sales increased 6% to $1.9 billion, from $1.81 billion. Same-store sales growth, including sales from online websites, rose 2.6%.

By Kent Smith, Galleria RTS

Well-stocked shelves and falling sales is a dilemma faced by many retailers today. New technology advancements such as mobile discount apps are the latest threat to grocery retail sales. Many people simply complete their grocery shopping from the convenience of their own home.

Retailers are finding it hard enough to survive, let alone thrive with channel and segment blurring making it a consumer world. The message is simple, have what you want, when you want it and at the price you want to pay.